Ethnicity in Pakistan

The word ‘ethnic’ derived from Greek word ‘ethnikos’ which referred to (a) non-
Christian pagans, (b) major population groups sharing common culture, common language
and racial traits. It is also a reflection of one’s own perception of one self as the member of
the particular group.

Pakistan separated from India in the basis of two nation theory that Pakistani culture
and customs are different from India. But after the creation of Pakistan these ethic problems
are still existed. Pakistan divided into several ethnic groups in which major ethnic groups are
Punjabis, Pukhtuns, Sindhis and Balochis.

The ethnic problem was started from the very first day because the division between
east and West Pakistan gap increased with the passage of time. The delay in the constitution
making was all because of this difference between East and West Pakistan.

By the late 1960s the separation movement was started in different provinces like
Azad Balochistan, Sindhudesh, Pukhtunistan and Bangladesh. The movement for Bangladesh
was the most serious and led to the secession of East Pakistan in 1971. After the formation of
Bangladesh these ethnic groups were intensified.

In Pakistan the regional assertion based on the ethnic identities came to the fore in
more pronounced ways in 1990s. Ethnic disaffection was simmering in Balochistan and
NWFP in the 1970s. Similarly the Mohajirs of Pakistan were emerging as an important ethnic
group with the growth of MQM since 1980s as a major force in urban centers in Sindh
especially in Karachi and Hyderabad.

The major political parties which lead to these ethnic groups are Pakistan People’s
party, Pakistan Muslim League (N), Pakistan Muslim League (Q), Awami National Party and
Mutahidda Majlise Amal. Bureaucracy and military by one or two ethnic groups tended to
augment ethnic tension and violence.

In the recent scenario target killing was started in Balochistan and Karachi and
changing the name of NWFP caused the great riots in Hazara.